A Levels

NEWBURY NEWS A-LEVEL RESULTS

Thursday, August 22, 2019 14

Newbury Weekly News

Achievements are ‘more than academic excellence’ Principal highlights school’s role helping girls become ‘women of independence ’

TRAIN to Teach with The Downland Alliance. If you are thinking about choosing a career in teaching and would like your training to be based in a school, learning from experienced teachers right from the start, then the school direct training route could be for you. The Downland Alliance offers a unique opportunity to train with the highly-successful group of schools that make up the partnership. The course leads to QTS and PGCE – both professional qualifications are awarded by Oxford Brookes University so you get the best of both worlds – high-quality school-led training linked to a renowned higher education institution. A wide spectrum of high- achieving schools ensures a range of opportunities including a primary/secondary training is organised jointly by The Downs School, Compton, St Bartholomew’s School, Newbury, and Kennet School, Thatcham. Our primary training is organised jointly by our primary partners comprising a wide variety of schools from across West Berkshire. School-led teacher training courses have high rates of employment and, above all, of trainee satisfaction. Every part of our programme is “We are incredibly proud of all our students today. This year’s excellent results are a testament to our students’ work ethic, commitment and the dedication of our fantastic teaching staff. “At a time when more young women should be encouraged into STEM subjects, to have 100 per cent of all mathematics and computer science entries coming in at A*-A is great to see. “Likewise, for languages, which have also been much in the news, we are delighted to have 100 per cent at A*-A in Spanish and Italian and the equivalent in Mandarin.” He went on to say: “To achieve 67 per cent of all results at A*-A and 91 per cent at A*-B is excel- lent, but St Gabriel’s is more than academic excellence; we have created an environment of educa- tional balance. “We fuel our pupil’s intellec- tual curiosity and broaden their horizons, developing their confi- dence and self-belief and ulti- mately ensuring that they achieve their academic potential. “Most importantly for us, our students achieve without putting undue pressure on them, prepar- ing them for their place in the world as women of independence. “We wish all our students well in the future and look forward to hearing of their continued success.” placement and sixth form experience for secondary trainees. The secondary in-school

ST GABRIEL’S

PUPILS and teachers at St Gabriel’s School, Newbury, are celebrating another year of exceptional, record-breaking A-level results. Two thirds of entrants – 67 per cent – achieved A*-A grades, 91 per cent achieved A*-B and almost all of them – 99 per cent – achieved A*-C. The school had a 100 per cent pass rate, with many securing places in the ‘premier league’ Russell Group of universities and all Oxbridge candidates securing their places on their undergradu- ate courses. Two of the girls, Rowan Salt- marsh and Anna Stirk, are off to Cambridge after achieving seven A*s between them. Rowan, from Silchester, got four A*s in computer science, physics, mathematics and further mathematics, as well as a distinc- tion in her clarinet diploma. As a result, she’s secured a place at St John’s College, Cambridge, to read engineering. She said: “The grades were better than I was expecting.” Anna, from Cold Ash, will read history at Peterhouse College, Cambridge, after achieving A*s in English literature, Spanish, history and an A in Latin. Report by DAN COOPER email dan.cooper@newburynews.co.uk twitter @danc_nwn

From left, Charlotte Dick, Emily Evans, Abigale W ilson and Mia Ashfield, all 18

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She said: “I’m delighted, obvi- ously. It is a big relief because I though I’d done worse than I have. “There was a lot of pressure to get the results.” Meanwhile Alice McGonnell, from Newbury, has secured a place at Oxford to read medicine. The 18-year-old is also a talented showjumper and musician. Head girl Cosima Woodard is off to Durham to study French and Italian after achieving three As in English, history and mathe- matics. ErinHorneandheadgirlCosimaWoodard

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She said she was “really, really pleased and excited about the future”, but also admitted she would be sad to leave the school, where she has studied since Year 7. Mia Ashfield, from Lambourn, said she was “ecstatic” with her two As, securing a place at the Royal Agricultural Univeristy, Cirencester. She added: “I just couldn’t believe it when I opened the enve- lope. My results were better than I was expecting.” Principal Ricki Smith said:

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Whose story will you inspire? ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Thinking about Training to Teach? Why not find out more?

4. Inspire someone’s story You may remember a truly brilliant teacher from school who made a real difference to your life. Trainees come from a wide variety of backgrounds, but they all have one aim – to make a difference in young people’s lives and to give something back. 5. A passion for your subject You can utilise your enthusiasm and passion to spark a love for your own subject. And you’ll have the reward of making a difference in your community. The programmes are designed to be highly professional, of consistent high quality and personal to you. Mentoring is by an outstanding teacher and/or specialist leader of education, as well as support from a tutor from Oxford Brookes University. Is there any financial support while I train? Depending on the subject you want to teach, financial support is available during your teacher training – you could also access tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance to help support you. Teaching is a career that can offer great benefits and you’ll develop a wide range of transferable skills for yourself in the process. For more information search Get into Teaching and The Downland Alliance. Contact Mandy Alexander at itt@downlandalliance.org.uk

The Downland Alliance school direct training programmes lead to QTS and PGCE professional qualificaƟons. Are you interested in becoming a secondary or primary school teacher? You can inspire young people to fulfil their potenƟal. Come along to one of our Career InformaƟon Evenings The Downs School – Wednesday 6th November 2019 St Bartholomew’s School – Monday 13th January 2020 Kennet School – Tuesday 10th March 2020 Get some School Experience School experience days are available in a number of our schools. Specific dates are published on the DFE school experience website or you can contact us directly for more informaƟon. Contact us Mandy Alexander – iƩ@downlandalliance.org.uk Register to aƩend through our website.

aimed at preparing you to be the best teacher possible. Immersion into the life of the teacher and daily exposure to outstanding practice and teachers ensures you have the best possible opportunity. Five reasons why you should train to teach 1. Every lesson shapes a life As a teacher, you know that you’ll make your skills and knowledge really count by helping students to unlock their potential, develop their talents and open their eyes to the values around them. 2. A job that is varied As most teachers will tell you, there’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ day at work. That’s because no two days are the same – you’re unlikely ever to be bored by a lack of variety or sitting at a computer all day. 3. Teaching is fun In addition to planning and teaching a range of engaging lessons, you can indulge in your hobbies and interests as part of your work by getting involved in after-school clubs, school trips or sporting events.

The Downland Teaching School Alliance www.downlandalliance.org.uk Telephone: 01635 270096